Page 20 of My Mountain Man Valentine

Eventually, we broke apart, breathless. She gave me a look that was half amusement, half yearning. “I might be late to the bookstore.”

My grin widened, a playful rush sparking through me. “I’ll write you a note to excuse your tardiness.”

She laughed softly, then turned and pressed her lips to mine, stealing another kiss that tasted of promise before getting up and heading for the bathroom.

Chapter Nine

TESSA

By the time Valentine’s Day actually arrived, I almost forgot there was a creep lurking in the shadows. The bookstore had been a whirlwind of customers searching for last-minute gifts: boxes of heart-shaped chocolates I kept at the register, stacks of new-release romances, and novelty mugs with swoony quotes. Between juggling sales and fending off curious questions about my “new boyfriend,” I barely had time to dwell on my nerves.

Ryder kept me updated via text about his tours, occasionally dropping by with a grin that made my insides flutter. I knew Levi was still wary, but I was grateful for his cautious acceptance of our blossoming relationship.

The Valentines from my secret admirer had gone silent for a few days, which should have been a relief. Yet each time I unlocked the store or opened the back door, I half expected to see another pink envelope. It became a morbid routine—eyes scanning the floor, the cracks between the doors. Nothing new appeared.

The reprieve gave me hope. Maybe whoever was fixated on me had lost interest, especially since I’d grown more openly devoted to Ryder. Still, a tiny voice warned me not to drop my guard.

Mid-afternoon on Valentine’s Day, my phone buzzed while I was reorganizing a romance display. Expecting a note from Caroline—who was busy chaperoning a school dance—I swiped the screen. Instead, my heart lurched.

The number was unknown, the text short:

You belong to me. Tonight, everyone will see.

My breath caught, and a tremor ran through me. I stared at the words, trying to pin down the sense of dread swirling in my gut. Was this the same person behind the pink envelopes? Had they escalated to direct messages?

For a moment, I considered calling Levi or texting Ryder. But the store was crowded with last-minute shoppers, and I didn’t want to cause a scene. My chest felt tight as I forced myself to breathe.Stay calm, I told myself. If they were threatening to reveal something “tonight,” maybe I needed to be in a public place—somewhere like Skyline, or with Ryder by my side—so no one could corner me alone.

Determined not to let fear rule me, I tucked my phone away. I’d share this new text with Ryder as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I’d keep my eyes open. If this person wanted to make an appearance, I wasn’t going to hide behind locked doors.

A few customers later, the shop emptied enough that I seized the chance to text Ryder about the new message. His immediate response was pure concern:

Stay put. I’ll come by in an hour—finishing with a tour group.

An hour felt too long, but I typed back:

Okay. I’m safe here with customers. Don’t worry.

My fingers trembled slightly as I set the phone down. The clock ticked by in slow increments. Customers chatted and paid, sometimes offering me a “Happy Valentine’s Day” on their way out. I forced polite smiles, counting down the minutes until Ryder arrived.

At last, the bell jangled, and he stepped in, cheeks flushed from the cold. My relief was so strong I nearly sagged against the counter. He hurried over, ignoring the curious glances from a handful of browsers.

“You okay?” he whispered, voice taut.

“Yeah,” I lied, swallowing hard. “Just a bit jumpy.”

He nodded, then offered me a subtle, supportive squeeze of my hand. “Close up and come with me. We’ll head to Skyline together. Levi’s got that Valentine’s event tonight—a small party or something. Safer in a crowd.”

The idea of navigating a “Valentine’s party” with this new threat lurking made me jittery. But if the text claimed “tonight,” maybe being around Levi and the rest of Hope Peak was the best option.

“Give me ten minutes to finish and lock up,” I managed, trying to keep my voice steady.

Ryder stayed close, leaning near the local history shelf so he could watch the door. I politely hustled the last few customers out, apologizing that I had to close early. Once they were gone, I locked up, my heart hammering with every click of the bolts.

When we stepped outside, dusk had begun to settle, painting the snow a pale lavender. My breath plumed in the cold air. Every shadow made me jump, but Ryder’s presence at my side stopped me from panicking.

“We’ll take my truck,” he said. “No point in driving separately.”

I nodded, letting him guide me across the snowy sidewalk. Inside the warmth of the cab, he shot me a look that silently asked if I was all right. I just exhaled, shaking my head. “No new messages, at least,” I muttered, checking my phone again.

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